European Journal of Medicinal Plants

Pfaffia glomerata (Brazilian Ginseng) as a Green Source for Metallic Nanoparticle Synthesis: A Review

Michelle Karine dos Santos Lembi — 2026-03-20

The synthesis of metallic nanoparticles using plant extracts has attracted significant interest in the scientific community due to their unique properties, which can be applied across various fields, including health, agronomy, and food. Bioreduction, or green synthesis, can be performed using plant extracts containing alkaloids, phenolic compounds, and terpenoids, which are responsible for reducing metal ions. However, the antimicrobial activity of nanoparticles is not yet fully understood; metal‑based nanoparticles, especially silver and gold, act through oxidative stress, ion release, and membrane damage rather than a single universal mechanism. Pfaffia glomerata contains distinctive bioactive compounds, such as β-ecdysone and phenolic constituents, which suggest a strong potential for use in nanoparticle synthesis; however, this application has not yet been experimentally demonstrated in the literature. This study aimed to conduct a literature review on "nanoparticles," "green synthesis," "plants ginseng," and "antimicrobial" in major scientific databases in a recent literature (2013-2025). The results of the reviewed studies demonstrated the use of Panax ginseng, Siberian ginseng, and red and black ginseng in the synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles, with potential applications as antimicrobials and anticancer agents. In conclusion, it is essential to conduct further research on the studied plant species, particularly those belonging to the Amaranthaceae family, to deepen our understanding of the mechanisms and reducing agents involved in the green synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles.

Identification of Bioactive Phytochemicals in Grewia hirsuta Vahl Leaf Extract Using GC-MS Analysis

Anita Burde — 2026-03-28

Grewia hirsuta, popularly known as nagbala, is extensively utilized in traditional medicine due to its remarkable pharmacological properties stemming from its diverse array of phytochemicals. In this research, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was utilized to phytochemical compounds found in the methanolic extract of Grewia hirsuta vahl. GC-MS analysis shows that major bioactive compounds included 20 bioactive compounds with varying molecular structures and functional groups including silanediol. Notable pharmacologically active compounds identified were amphetamine, fluoxetine N-acetyl, nordazepam TMS derivative, and tenamfetamine. The analysis also revealed antioxidants like catechol and hydroquinone, alongside thymol Silanediol, Nortrimipramine, Butyrolactone, Catechol, m-Guaiacol, Methylphosphonic acid, Vanillin, Bupropion, Demecolcine, Lupeol, and Tetrasiloxane (decamethyl). The comprehensive understanding of the phytochemical composition of Grewia hirsuta leaf extract obtained through GCMS analysis offers valuable information for further exploration of its medicinal properties and development of novel therapeutic agents.

Medicinal Plants Used in the Treatment of High Blood Pressure by Teachers in the Town of Adzope, Côte d’Ivoire

Alain Serge Augustin Ambe — 2026-03-23

Background: High blood pressure remains a major public health issue. The high cost of treatment for this condition has led to the use of medicinal plants.

Aims: This study aims to identify and document medicinal plants traditionally used for the treatment of hypertension.

Materials and Methods: An ethnobotanical survey was carried out in the town of Adzopé, involving 80 secondary school teachers. The random sampling method was used to select the participants interviewed using the semi-structured interview method. A questionnaire was used to collect key information on the respondents' socio-professional status and the plants used, as well as their ethnobotanical characteristics and the effects and efficacy of these plants.

Results: The investigations identified 13 plant species belonging to 12 botanical families. The most common family was Malvaceae, accounting for 15% of the total. The most frequently cited species was Hibiscus sabdariffa (26%). Leaves were the most commonly used plant part (29%), with decoction (51%) being the most frequently used preparation method. The preparations were administered orally only. More than half (61%) of the recipes involved a single daily dose. These plants were rated as moderately effective by 53% of participants, and 23% reported experiencing adverse side effects after using them. Half of the respondents (50%) preferred medicinal plants to conventional medicines.

Conclusion: The survey highlights the medicinal plants used by school staff to treat hypertension in Adzopé. These findings could serve as a basis for phytochemical and pharmacological evaluations to validate the traditional use of these plants, which may represent a therapeutic alternative.

Anatomical, Phytochemical and Toxicological Characterization of Drynaria quercifolia (L.) J.Sm Rhizome Scales

S. Narthanaa — 2026-03-26

Background and Aims: The rhizome of Drynaria quercifolia (L.) J.Sm. is traditionally consumed after removal of the outer scale layer; however, the scientific basis of this practice remains unclear. The present study aimed to elucidate the anatomical, phytochemical and toxicological characteristics of the rhizome scales to understand their functional significance and justify their traditional exclusion prior to medicinal use.

Study Design: Experimental laboratory-based study integrating anatomical observation, phytochemical screening, spectroscopic characterization and bioassay-based toxicological evaluation.

Place and Duration of Study: PG and Research Department of Botany, Government Arts College, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India, between September 2023 and March 2024.

Methodology: Rhizome scales of D. quercifolia were collected from Kolli Hills, Tamil Nadu and subjected to macroscopic and microscopic examination. Aqueous extracts were prepared following traditional infusion methods. Preliminary phytochemical screening was conducted using standard qualitative tests. Functional groups were identified through Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Toxicological evaluation was performed using Artemia salina lethality assay, Daphnia magna acute toxicity assay and Allium cepa root tip assay, each conducted in triplicate to assess cytotoxic and genotoxic effects.

Results: Microscopic analysis revealed a uniseriate epidermal layer with multicellular non-glandular trichomes and thick-walled marginal cells, indicating a structurally specialized protective tissue. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of alkaloids, sterols and carbohydrates. FT-IR analysis showed prominent O–H stretching (3317 cm⁻¹), free hydroxyl groups (3657 cm⁻¹) and C–O functional groups, indicating predominance of polar constituents. Toxicological assays demonstrated moderate cytotoxicity in Artemia salina with LC₅₀ of 175 µg/mL. The Daphnia magna assay showed an EC₅₀ of approximately 1350 µg/mL with concentration-dependent morphological abnormalities. In the Allium cepa assay, mitotic activity decreased progressively, with mitotic index reduced to 12.82% at 1500 µg/mL and chromosomal stickiness observed at higher concentrations.

Conclusion: The rhizome scales of Drynaria quercifolia represent a structurally and chemically distinct outer tissue layer containing defense-associated metabolites with measurable biological reactivity. These findings provide experimental evidence supporting the traditional removal of rhizome scales prior to medicinal use, as the scale layer contains defense-associated metabolites exhibiting measurable cytotoxic and antimitotic activity.

Effect of Jaboticaba Berry (M. cauliflora) on Macro- and Microvascular Function in Individuals with Cardiovascular Risk Factors Following One Week of Consumption: A Randomized Study

Mônica Volino-Souza — 2026-03-30

Background: The consumption of berries is widely recommended as part of a cardioprotective diet due to their bioactive properties. Jaboticaba, a Brazilian berry, has been reported to possess high antioxidant activity. However, to date, no human studies have evaluated the effects of jaboticaba consumption on vascular function in individuals at risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effects of seven-day jaboticaba consumption on macro and microvascular function in individuals with risk factors for CVD.

Study Design: This was a randomized, parallel, placebo-controlled study.

Methodology: Twelve volunteers with CVD risk factors consumed 420 mL of jaboticaba smoothies twice a daily (1,457.28 ± 21.51 mg of total polyphenols per day) or placebo (247.95 ± 118.32 mg of total polyphenols per day) for one week. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and tissue oxygen saturation (StO₂) responses to 5-minute cuff occlusion were assessed using Doppler ultrasound and near-infrared spectroscopy, respectively. Blood samples were collected for the analysis of reduced glutathione (GSH) levels.

Results: Supplementation with jaboticaba smoothies promoted improvements in macrovascular function, evidenced by a significant increase in ΔFMD when the data were analyzed using an allometric scale (p = 0.029), in addition to a moderate to large effect size in favor of jaboticaba (d = 0.72). On the other hand, no significant changes were observed in StO₂ parameters and plasma GSH levels (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: This study demonstrated that jaboticaba smoothie consumption may improve macrovascular function but did not affect microvascular reactivity and redox balance in individuals at risk of CVD.

An Investigation into the Efficacy of the Combined Methanol Extract of Zanthoxylum asiaticum and Delonix regia on Plasmodium berghei-Infected Mice and Its Effects on Blood Parameters

Robert Omondi — 2026-03-30

Aims: This study assessed the effectiveness of single and fixed-ratio combinations of extracts from Zanthoxylum asiaticum and Delonix regia against Plasmodium berghei, as well as their effects on haematological parameters in mice.

Methodology: Distilled water was used to clean the collected plant samples, which were then dried in the shade to achieve a constant weight. Plant parts were ground into a fine powder using an electric blender. Extraction was subsequently done using methanol. Tests for anti-plasmodial activity of individual and fixed-ratio combinations of plant extracts were conducted using Peters' four-day suppressive test and Rane's test protocol. Thin blood smears were stained with Giemsa stain and examined microscopically to determine the level of parasitaemia in mice following treatment with plant extracts. Data were analysed using Minitab 19 software and GraphPad Prism version 9. Differences with a p-value of less than 0.05 were regarded as statistically significant.

Results: The extracts caused dose-dependent suppression of parasitaemia in infected mice. Zanthoxylum asiaticum exhibited the highest overall activity, with suppression most pronounced at 500 and 250 mg/kg body weight, while the 100 mg/kg dose led to moderate suppression. Delonix regia showed antiplasmodial activity but with lower potency compared to Z. asiaticum at equivalent doses. Notably, the fixed-ratio combination (250 mg/kg + 250 mg/kg; 1:1) resulted in a suppression rate comparable to the highest single extract dose and significantly decreased parasite loads relative to the negative control (p < 0.05). Haematological assessment indicated that most blood indices (Hb, leucocytes, platelets, MCV, MCH, MCHC, and haematocrit) were not significantly affected under the tested conditions, suggesting limited haematological toxicity; however, RBC counts showed a significant difference (at p < 0.05) between control and treated groups in the measured data.

Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that these plant extracts are both safe and effective against Plasmodium berghei.